MY DEFINITION OF “COACH”

My coaching philosophy is multi-faceted and pervades a variety of areas. From the pure definition of the word “Coach”, to my approach to coaching, down to the game itself, coaching basketball is my calling.  The profession drives me to be a better person everyday through helping others meet their potential as people, students, and athletes.

At the core, it is an honor and a blessing to be called “Coach”. I cannot merit the title by taking a test.  Coach is a designation that I must earn on a daily basis by my every word and act.  Being a coach is a 24/7/365 commitment to excellence. Coaches must do the right thing regardless of the situation.  Inevitably, my human nature will lead me to err.  When I am wrong, I must take responsibility for my mistake and work to not repeat that mistake. When I’m right, I must stand strongly.

The title can be lost in the blink of an eye.  A person who calls me coach does not mean they really see me as one.  If I continue to value the title of coach, I must hold myself to a higher standard.  As Coach, I will always be an example for everyone around me, not just our team.  If I am going to ask that players be responsible, hard working, and disciplined, then I must be more so.  If I expect players to hold themselves accountable, then I must do so as well.  If I expect players to handle adversity well, then I must show them how by example. All of this is easier said than done, but as a coach I must.